Drive-thru / point-of-sale automated transaction technologies and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes methods and apparatus for the automated provision of goods through the use of scanning systems. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for automatically conveying which goods are being ordered, where the goods will be picked up, an associated method of payment, kitchen fulfillment, item tracking, and automatic delivery by a dispenser apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the present invention is applied to the automated ordering and pick-up of food items at a fast food restaurant.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/415,224 filed Oct. 31, 2016. This application also claimsthe benefit of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/464,840 filedMar. 7, 2017. The contents of each are hereby incorporated in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for theautomated provision of goods. More specifically, the present inventionprovides a method, through the use of scanning systems, forautomatically conveying which goods are being ordered, processing theorder at a point of sale location, such as a drive-thru, where the goodswill be picked up when using location based mobile ordering, matchingthe customer to their order at a pick-up location, and an associatedmethod of payment. In preferred embodiments, the present invention isapplied to the automated ordering and pick-up of food items at a fastfood restaurant.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Many situations involving the provision of goods in today's marketplace,such as the provision of fast food meals, are predicated on the abilityof a customer to efficiently place an order and receive the meal (orother goods) with the correct food items in a quick and accurate manner.

Human interaction between the customer and the employee leaves room fortime-costly mistakes due to either user error or misinterpretationthrough language barriers, speech impediments or the hard of hearing,inaudible conversation due to faulty drive-thru speakers, etc. Thesemistakes can lead to fewer return customers due to lower satisfactionratings stemming from either poor customer service, processing incorrectorders, lengthy wait times, interruptions from implementing newtechnologies, and so on.

In addition, a point-of-sale/drive-thru transaction is limited in itsability to receive orders and deliver goods by the human factorsinvolved, i.e. the process may only move as fast as the employee canphysically work. For example, timing for processing an order is limitedby how quickly the employee is able to take the customer's order, listento the customer's order, record the order, confirm the order, preparethe order, process the payment manually, and deliver the ordered itemsto the customer. This process is not only taxing on both the employeeand the customer, but is also costly for the fast food retailer.

Barcodes or other unique identifiers today aren't dynamic and don'tchange or generate specific to a customer's order. Identifiers scannedat a fast food restaurant today only link to profiles and a method ofpayment (scanned at checkout by an employee) only after an order hasbeen placed. The customer still has to communicate their order withinthe store, at a drive-thru, or preselect a specific store online andpreorder ahead of time through the restaurant's mobile application.Orders also cannot be shared, consolidated, or placed in a single,electronic process. Payments also cannot be automatically orelectronically split amongst customers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present invention provides automated apparatus andmethods for performing an efficient transaction involving the placementof an order for goods, assembly of items ordered, confirming payment forthe items and provision of the items to the customer.

The present invention, Point-of-Sale/Drive-Thru Automated TransactionTechnologies (ATT) is predicated on an ordering, transacting, filing,and pick-up process at commercial fast food retailers. With themodernization of automated-technologies, ATT looks to bring a single (orminimal) step ordering process to the point-of-sale or drive-thru withlimited human interaction.

The number of point-of-sale or drive-thru transactions are hereinalleviated of many of the limitations resulting from the human workprocess, which operates unilaterally in nature. ATT addresses theaforementioned issues and provides methods and apparatus for provingfaster and more accurate service to a customer and saving a fast foodretailer time and money.

In some embodiments, an ATT system may be integrated with existingapplications or order processing equipment, thereby leveraging andtaking advantage of the existing, proprietary technologies andapplications that fast food retailers may have expended significantresources developing.

Embodiments of ATT therefore provide new techniques and the use oftechnologies to provide automatic fast food orders (or other merchandiseorder), transactions, and item pick-up from either remote, onsitepoint-of-sale, or drive-thru locations, via a mobile device or otherapparatus.

A number of fast food customers order fast food on a whim. They havepre-determined meals in mind, their “go-to” so to speak; however,customers often don't have a pre-determined fast food location selected.In most cases, people don't know which fast food location they will eatat. Choosing a fast food restaurant is often driven by convenience.Factors that determine a convenient method of obtaining food itemsinclude: customer control of the order, minimal wait time, orderaccuracy, restaurant/staff responsiveness, a relative location of acustomer to a restaurant, the ability to combine multiple meals into asingle order, the ability to charge separate customers for only theirordered items, and aggregate payments for combined items/orders.Customers often order on the go, when they travel, when multiplecustomers are in a single vehicle, and when it's most convenient. Italso becomes a headache when a driver has several orders to place at adrive-thru. ATT will seek to render these inefficiencies obsolete.

Embodiments may consider a complexity of multiple orders whereingenerally the more orders placed and the more complex an order, the moresusceptible any given order is to mistakes from either user error ormiscommunication.

The present invention also addresses the difficulty involved insplitting payments within a group of purchasers. It overcomes thedifficulties of most of the fast food technologies or applicationstoday, which require customers to preselect a restaurant, preorder ameal, and come inside to pick-up the order by, implementingscan-to-order features, allowing one or more customers to aggregatemultiple meals into a single order, and combine payment for itemsordered at any participating location. ATT largely renders theshortcomings and inefficiencies of present systems obsolete. ATT isadaptable to existing franchise systems, at the franchises discretion, aloyalty program or sign-in may or may not be required, such that anycustomer may place an order, pay, and subsequently pick-up their itemsall through the mobile application or with no human interaction.

One general aspect includes a system for delivery of a prepared fooditem, the system including: a computer server including a processor inlogical communication with a digital storage storing executable code;and a transmitter in logical communication with a digital communicationnetwork. The executable code is operative with the processor to causethe server to receive from a scanner located on site of a foodpreparation facility an encoded barcode including a unique transactioncode with encoded information including a user identification. Theserver may also receive an order description and a payment statusportrayed upon a display of a mobile device of a user. In an example,action may be taken based upon receipt of the encoded barcode toremotely operate a dispenser, wherein the dispenser includes a pluralityof bins configured for storage of food items, to dispense one or morestored food items to a user presenting the mobile device with theencoded barcode.

One general aspect includes a method for delivery of a food product, themethod including receiving an order description and a payment statusportrayed with a barcode upon a display of a mobile device of a user orby other means such as a printed image on a receipt. In an example,action may be taken based upon receipt of the encoded barcode toremotely operate a dispenser, wherein the dispenser includes a pluralityof bins configured for storage of food items, to dispense one or morestored food items to a user presenting the mobile device with theencoded barcode. Each food item stored in a bin of the dispenser may becontrolled at one of ambient temperature, less than ambient temperatureand greater than ambient temperature. The method also includesconfiguring executable code to include a first touchscreen activatedfunction, where the first touchscreen activated function activates agroup order protocol. The method also includes receiving an activationfunction response from a first user. The method also includes receivinga list of a plurality of users which may participate in forming a foodproduct order. The method also includes communicating with the pluralityof users, where the communication offers an ordering session to two ormore of the plurality of users. The method also includes receivingorders from two or more of the plurality of users. The method alsoincludes communicating an order status to the first user. The methodalso includes placing food products in a first bin of the dispenser,where the food products include portions of the food order from the twoor more of the plurality of users. The method also includescommunicating a barcode image to the first user, where the barcodeprovides the necessary information for the user to interact with thedispenser and receive the food products of the group order. The methodalso includes dispensing the food products to the first user conditionedupon the first user providing the barcode image to a scanner associatedwith a dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, that are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of thedisclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary customer device according someimplementations of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a customer in relation to a restaurant ofchoice.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a user with a customerdevice in proximity to restaurant.

FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary method steps that may be performed in someimplementations of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of apparatus that may be used in someimplementations of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates aspects of controller hardware useful forimplementing the present invention as a block diagram.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary processing and interface system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of amobile device.

FIGS. 9A-9I illustrate different views of an exemplary dispensingapparatus.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operational flow when an application is utilized.

FIG. 11 illustrates an operational flow within a store.

FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flow within a drive-thru.

FIG. 13 illustrates operational flows relating to dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary forms of 2d barcodes.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary infrastructure architecture foroperations.

FIG. 16 illustrates operational flows related to order processing at akiosk.

FIG. 17 illustrates operational flows related to license plate scanningand ordering.

FIG. 18 illustrates operational flows with license plate scanning anddispensing apparatus.

FIG. 19 illustrates operational flows not involving mobile applicationprocessing.

FIG. 20 illustrates operational flows with drive-thru point of salekiosk scan.

FIG. 21 illustrates operational flows for license plate scanning anddispensing apparatus without mobile application processing.

FIG. 21A illustrates generation of one-time identifier for sharedorders.

FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic map view of a fast food restaurant withelements of the present invention incorporated.

FIG. 23 illustrates operational flows for remote location dispensing.

FIG. 24 illustrates operational flows for remote location dispensing anddrone replenishment.

FIGS. 25A-B illustrate operational flows for ordering with theapplication.

FIGS. 26A-B illustrate operational flows for ordering without theapplication.

FIGS. 27A-B illustrate operational flows for remote ordering.

FIGS. 28A-B illustrate operational flows for automatic ordering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for apparatus and methods fora customer to preselect food items for purchase, process an orderthrough scanning systems at a point of sale or drive-thru, andsubsequently pay for the order either through traditional means orthrough the use of scanning systems. The integrated system may alsotrack the customer's location so that the food items are available forpick-up at a pick-up point as the customer arrives at said pick-uppoint. The system may automatically identify the customer throughscanning systems, match the customer's order with the customer, anddeliver the food items. The system may also confirm a payment mechanismand process payment for the food items that will be delivered. Optionsto pay upon order or pick-up are also available.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methodsof the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred andalternative examples though through are exemplary only, and it isunderstood that to those skilled in the art that variations,modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to beunderstood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspectsof the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

In general, a customer that is in a vehicle has a pre-loaded mobileapplication in which they have the ability to pre-select a foodfranchise and the food items they desire to purchase. The customer isable to select items from the food provider's menu within the mobileapplication and proceed with submitting the order, which will produce aunique barcode or other unique identifier generated within theapplication. The unique barcode or identifier is populated on the user'sdevice and combines a variety of information not limited to, orderdetails (items, quantity, options, size, etc.), user location, storedetails, user profile, if multiple users are involved or share in theorder, payment splitting, promotional details, custom requests, etc. Thecustomer may also have the option to select from saved food favoritesthat are pre-selected and with a unique barcode or identifier, whichcorresponds to said food favorite, ready at the customer's fingertips.Usually these are the customer's “go-to” orders that are oftenpurchased. A number of favorites are able to be saved and named underthe user's profile. Saved favorites can also be traded or shared amongstusers.

A customer can separate their orders by order numbers or profile if morethan one person is included and paying for an order. Since a user'sprofile can be shared or stored, their favorites or “one-time” orderscan also be transferred to a single user and combined into one order. A“two-way” option may be enabled, where both users may elect toparticipate in allowing one user to always place the other user'sshared, favorite, or other specific order. A barcode is populated basedon an algorithm that calculates a combination of user profile ID, orderquantity, size, combo meals, sides, extras, respective unit prices,payment methods, promotions, or other details. A dynamic, uniqueidentifier or barcode is generated for every order and is based on asoftware algorithm that calculates a combination of but not limited touser profile ID, order quantity, size, combo meals, sides, extras,respective unit prices, shared orders, and split payments.

A link to the customer's reward program account, reward points, ordebit/credit card on file (dependent on user agreement) is alsoavailable. A user is able to link their form of payment to theirpurchase. This enables a quicker transaction at thepoint-of-sale/drive-thru and can also include the accruement of morereward points or perks such as sweepstakes, reward program coupons,double point promotions, or reward program discounts. Reward and paymentintegration can be added to multiple users.

Orders and payments can also be requested or shared amongst users, notjust through any “friends” option within the application, but also bysending and receiving order or payment requests through phone number,email, or other means of wireless transfer of information such asBluetooth, near field communication, etc. Once the user has finishedselecting their desired order and arrives at any point-of-sale ordrive-thru kiosk, the user then presents the unique barcode or uniqueidentifier within the application to a scanning system. Upon doing so,the order is then processed and subsequently paid for if the user hasopted to use such payment systems that are linked within the application(traditional payment options still apply). Such an order may be prepaidif the user has processed the ordered from the location based mobileapplication feature or if the user has selected to connect to therestaurant remotely. The selections and functions within the mobileapplication can also be controlled through voice recognition.

Throughout the document, reference may be made to a “scan” or“scanning”. It is understood that the use of the word “scan” can beinterpreted as varying methods to read, capture, scan, identify, decode,or process a barcode or representative image to subsequently unlock,decode, translate, transmit, or process said barcode and the informationit contains.

In some embodiments, after an order has been paid for, an order numberand a corresponding barcode or unique identifier are generated. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the unique identifier may begenerated prior to order generation without violating the spirit of theinvention. If traditional order or payment methods are made, a receiptwill be printed with a corresponding order number and a unique barcodeor identifier for that customer's order. In some cases, the customerwill once again present and scan the same unique barcode or identifierto an automatic dispenser at a pick-up location. At a pick-up location,the customer will be notified that the order is ready for pick-up,either through the mobile application, over an intercom, display, orthrough additional methods. An operating system that tracks the uniquelygenerated barcode or other unique identifier on the user's device willcommunicate with all systems and translate all order information to thewait and kitchen staff.

After the order is initially placed by the customer, the kitchen staffwill receive a printout of the same barcode or unique identifier that isspecific to and matches the customer's identifier. Such application isthat the operating system can print the same unique barcode oridentifier for use in item management, such as the kitchen staff placingthe barcode or identifier onto the food item that will be scanned afterthe order is made. The wait or kitchen staff will place the barcode onone of the items in the order and proceed to scan and place the iteminto a storage/container bin within a mechanized apparatus or turntable,which interacts and matches the user's barcode or other uniqueidentifier at the pick-up location. This mechanism may contain boxes orbins, which are insulated or temperature controlled, and containdesignated places for drinks and other food items.

Based upon the kitchen staff scanning an item at the mechanism, themechanism will dispense a carrier, box, or bin in which to put and storethe item. When the customer is ready to pick-up their order, eitherinside or outside, the customer will scan their unique identifier orbarcode at the pick-up point, the mechanism will match the user providedbarcode or identifier to the order, and then proceed to automaticallydispense the carrier, box, or bin to the customer for order pick-up.

The bins may store orders processed remotely and awaiting pick-up ororder places onsite at a point-of-sale/drive-thru kiosk. Customers whopreorder or order remotely can bypass the order kiosks and head directlyto the pick-up point. The bins also are capable of rotating individuallyso that no one order is holding-up the line. When the user scans theirbarcode or uniquely generated identifier at an indoor or outdoor kiosk,not only is a receipt stored within the application, but an order numberand the same barcode or identifier may populate. The user may then scanat the pick-up point, that corresponds to the point-of-sale ordrive-thru locations. When at the pick-up point, the restaurant staffmay be notified that the order is ready for pick-up when the barcode isscanned again. Although the description provided describes bins andkiosks, other automation, such as pick and place, storage trays, thermalinsulated containers, mechanized belts, and the like are also within thescope of the invention to be used to store and deliver an order to acustomer.

If the automatic dispenser is not used, uses of the scanning systems mayalso be used to identify the customer and the customer's order so thatthe employee may take advantage of the software to instead deliver thecustomer their order in lieu of the automatic dispenser and maintain amore effective and efficient customer query or queue. Remote pick-uplocations may also be available, whether onsite or offsite, where thecustomer may elect to scan at a pick-up location disconnected from therestaurant. Upon arrival at a remote pick-up location, the customer mayscan their unique barcode or identifier after the order has beenprocessed and paid for, and a remote drone, motorized track, deliverydriver, third party vendor, or other mechanism to transport a food itemor food bin, is then sent to the remote location, which may dock thefood bin to be dispensed to the customer, and then returned to thekitchen staff after the order is picked up or simply place the food iteminto a corresponding dispenser bin upon item identifier scan. Orderingand payment options are also available to the customer at a remotepick-up location or dispenser through the use of scanning systems.

In some embodiments, a vehicle license plate, tag, or other vehicularapparatus may be used as a method of identifying and/or inventoryingcustomers. A license plate tracking system may be utilized to minimizethe adaption and implementation of ATT, while also removing the system'sreliance on a customer to download the application or purchase a carmounted barcode. This process can be completed by: a car approaching thedrive-thru terminal or kiosk and an image scanner renders the licenseplate in real time, comparing the number to the fast food provider'sdatabase. If it is a first-time customer, the terminal will track thecustomer's purchase and save the selection to the fast food provider'sserver for future reference. In some embodiments, a return customer maybe determined via license plate recognition and customer profile data inone or both of a mobile application and back room controllerfunctionality. A user may also save a license plate number to the userprofile, therefore associating all user preferences to the license platenumber such as order favorites, automatic “go-to” orders, rewardprograms, payment details, and the like. When a user returns to anylocation of the food franchise, the drive-thru kiosk will remember thecustomer and tailor the options to the user based on their licenseplate. This can include recent orders, pending orders, suggested items,gift card balances, rewards/profile information, etc. The license platescanner may also be used to query users, automatically order and pay formeals upon driving up to the drive-thru kiosk based on either savedselections/preferences or recently submitted orders, and also trackusers when they arrive at a certain pick-up point or the automaticdispenser for order pick-up identification. The automatic order featureconnected with the license plate scanner also gives the user the optionto instantly order their default “go-to” order upon arriving at anylocation or process a recently submitted order instead. Instant paymentprocessing may be applied. The license plate scanner can also queue theuser to the system and when the user is at the pick-up window, thesystem will match the ordered item to the customer's license plate andprofile to subsequently dispense the item automatically. Traditionalmeans of payment, such as paying with a credit card, will be done ateither the order kiosk or the pick-up point if the user has not enrolledin automatic pay. An order receipt containing a unique, algorithmicallygenerated barcode or identifier, corresponding to the user's order, maybe printed for user identification purposes upon scan at an automaticdispenser. In some cases, this ensures the user doesn't need a mobiledevice for the scanning systems to successfully receive and dispense auser's order. Upon license plate scan and user identification, the usermay confirm or edit their order at the kiosk. The system may make ordersuggestions at the kiosk such as recent orders, order favorites, popularorders, new items, promotions, and the like. Geofencing and the like maysupplement the license plate scanner to further improve itseffectiveness and efficiency.

Some implementations may include a pre-existing, preorder applicationintegration wherein as most fast food providers have some form ofpre-paid or pre-order process in which the customer can pick-up anorder, at a predestinated location, paid or unpaid for, inside the storeupon arrival. The present invention may also cut down wait times and mayboost sales. The current order delivery process when the customer isready to pick-up their order not also disrupts the customer queue, butit also removes kitchen staff from preparing meals since they have tostop taking or preparing orders, find the preordered meal that was setaside, and then hand deliver these items to the customer. This is aninefficient preorder process that franchises won't be able to rely on asthe user base grows under their recent mobile applications. Customersalso have to plan around their schedule to go to a specific,predetermined store. In most cases, customers do not plan their fastfood purchases around their schedule and at a certain location.

Fast food drive-thru purchases may be on a whim of a customer, while thecustomer is traveling. Pre-selecting a location when on the go ortraveling can be a hassle and eliminates the freedom to drive to anydesired fast food location at will, when on the go. A map featurepopulates nearby restaurants and in some embodiments, may render waittimes at the restaurants based on the order traffic and activitymeasured by the operating system and scanning systems. The user canconnect to the store via the map feature and place an order remotely. Ifa customer were to proceed with a mobile pre-order, the application willsimply queue the user in the cloud, notify the user of nearbyrestaurants, connect the user to their restaurant of choice, provide thecustomer with the order's barcode and order number after the customerhas selected the items and submitted their order, and the user will thenpresent the barcode through the use of scanning systems at either thedrive-thru or other point-of-sale pick-up locations. Mobile preorderapplications can also include a store auto-detecting the user, eitherthru Bluetooth, GPS-location services, or other wireless connectionoptions, with the user accepting to connect to either the store's indooror drive-thru lines. Features also exist where the user can place anorder and have the order processed at a qualifying store and sent topick-up upon arrival, when the user is detected.

Additional methods of placing an order remotely or scanning onsite mayinclude communicating via one or more of: a smart watch, an integratedhome system such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, car dashboard-basedapplications, or other applications.

The point-of-sale and drive-thru kiosks are responsible for translatingthe order to the kitchen staff once the unique barcode or identifier hasbeen scanned. Bluetooth transmittable sequence of characters can also besent via the mobile application to the kiosks. The kiosks aretouchscreen and voice recognition enabled. The drive-thru kiosk canremember the customer through license plate scanning, ask the customerupon arrival to confirm a pending order, or continue with eitherfavorite, suggested, or new orders. Both kiosks are responsible forhandling payments, either continuing with auto-pay during the order orhandling traditional means of payment such as insert/slide credit card,near field communication, bill acceptor/dispenser, or other means ofpayment. Receipts containing a uniquely generated barcode or identifiermay also be printed if the user elected to not use the app scan-to-orderfeature or has paid through traditional means. At any time, the customercan ask for human assistance via the kiosk.

In still other aspects, for example, if a customer is unaware of theaforementioned methods of automated transactions or doesn't opt into anyof the above methods, then the customer has the ability to input orspeak into a kiosk (or into an app provided on a mobile device) a userid and items ordered. A user ID may include, for example in singledigits an assigned numerical or alphanumerical user ID or the customercan press or say “help,” to proceed with guided human interaction oravatar interaction. These methods may be communicated to thecustomer/driver upon arriving at the kiosk.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a mobile device 100 is shown with an interactiveuser interface. The mobile device may include a wireless mechanism 108for wirelessly communicating with another mechanism with wirelesscapability, such as, for example a base unit in a restaurant or otherestablishment engaged in commerce. The interface may include anidentifier of an item 101 to be purchased. The identifier of an item 101may include an image, an alphanumeric string, a barcode, a hash code, orother unique identifier. The mobile device 100 may also include a list102 of choices of items that may be purchased.

In another aspect the mobile device may include a mechanism fordetermining a geographic location 103. The mechanism to determine ageographic location may be compared with stored data descriptive oflocations of vendors from which the mobile device 100 may order items101. A calculation may be made based upon location and a direction oftravel to determine vendors proximate to the mobile device 100 fromwhich the user may conveniently order items 101. An order may begenerated and a payment mechanism 104 may be engaged to make payment forthe item purchased. Processed payment may include, for example, knownforms of electronic payment, including, without limitation, a processfor payment involving one or more of: a credit card; a debit card, ACHsystem, or other mechanism.

According to the present invention, a unique identifier 105, such as abarcode or a hash code may be generated on the mobile device 100 toidentify one or more of: the order, the user, items ordered, time oforder, date of order and other details of the order. In someembodiments, one or more of the items described in the identifier 105,and/or the identifier itself may be transmitted via wirelesstransmission.

Transmission may be to a vendor or to another user. In some preferredembodiments, another user may wirelessly receive details of an order,and retransmit the order to a vendor of its choice. One or both usersmay also store the order and the identifier 105 for future use. Othercontrols may include, for example a cancel mechanism 106, a sendmechanism 107, and a mechanism to access the user's profile.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in another aspect, a GPS or other geospatiallocating device may calculate a location based upon a locationassociated with a Cartesian Coordinate, such as, for example Latitudeand Longitude. A User location 201 and a vendor location 202 may becalculated and designated on a pictorial representation, such as a map.IN some preferred embodiments, a time of travel from a user location 201to the vendor location 202 may be calculated and a time of pick-up foran order may be calculated based upon the time of travel. Wait time orstatus of vendor location 202 may be displayed.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in still another aspect, a User 301 walking ona street may use a handheld mobile device 302 to locate a suitablevendor 303 and place an order. The user may then walk into the vendor303 and present a barcode to pick-up an order placed. In some specificimplementations, an order may be placed while the user is on line at thevendor 303 and the order may be picked up as the line progresses withthe purchase transaction already completed. Such embodiments may takeadvantage of the identification of the user and a purchasing historyassociated with the user to suggest “favored” items to order. It mayalso utilize the user's location information to time an order forpick-up as soon as available.

Referring now to FIG. 4 steps 400-408 and FIG. 5 steps 501-506, methodsteps that may be used to implement the present invention in variousembodiments. Additional aspects may include:

Barcode scanner that processes the app-derived barcode and sends it to areciprocating terminal to process the order.

An automated voice that expresses to the customer the options of eitherordering via barcode, payment options, confirming order via licenseplate scan, recent orders/favorites, user loyalty ID, or by stating“help” to have an employee assist with the order.

A license plate scanner that is capable of rendering a license plate inreal-time to either track the customer's order history, reconcile thelicense plate number against a user's profile and preferences of themobile application, place an order, or identify user at pick-up pointand automatic dispenser.

Technology/operating system for the receiving terminal that isresponsible for processing, pricing, and delivering the order to thefast food employee.

In some embodiments, an automated customer Identifier may be combinedwith designated items to order contained in a customer Profile. Theautomated customer Identifier may include for example a license plate(or another vehicle identifier, such as a barcode sticker). An automatedscanner may scan the vehicle and generate a default “go-to” orderassociated with the customer identified via the scan. The customer mayhave the option to modify the order, such as for example, to change theitems ordered or to change payment options. The customer may alsotransmit a preference for inside or drive-thru pick-up of the order. Asthe customer arrives at a designated pick-up location, at license platescan may be used to process payment and deliver items ordered.

In additional embodiments, a customer may arrive at a drive-thru kioskand be identified via an automated scan. Based upon the automated scan,the customer may be presented with an interactive interface thatincludes customer specific favorites, suggested items, and prior orders.The User operates the interactive interface to place an order. Paymentmay be made up front, upon arrival or based upon actual pick-up of theordered items.

As described herein, aspects of automated: ordering, identification of acustomer, payment and pick-up are discussed within the context ofprepared food items and restaurants. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that similar processes and automation may be implemented foritems other than prepared food items and may therefore include one ormore of: groceries, pharmacy items, dry goods, or other items ofcommerce.

Referring now to FIG. 6, additional aspects of printer controllerhardware useful for implementing the present invention are illustratedas a block diagram that includes a controller 650 upon which anembodiment of the invention may be implemented. Controller 650 includesa bus 652 or other communication mechanism for communicatinginformation, and a processor 654 coupled with bus 652 for processinginformation.

In still other aspects, such as, for example, if a customer is unawareof the aforementioned methods of automated transactions or doesn't optinto any of the above methods, then the customer has the ability toinput or speak into a terminal (or into a app provided on a mobiledevice) a user id and items ordered. A user ID may include, for examplein single digits an assigned numerical or alphanumerical user ID or thecustomer can press or say “help,” to proceed with guided humaninteraction or avatar interaction. These methods may be communicated tothe customer/driver upon arriving at the terminal. Some implementationsmay also include a barcode scanner and barcode generation. Preferredembodiments include a barcode generated on a customer mobile device.Mobile application that converts the fast food order to a barcode orother machine-readable device, such as a hash or Bluetooth transmittablesequence of characters. A terminal or receiver that has the belowcapabilities:

Controller 650 also includes a main memory 656, such as a random-accessmemory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 652 forstoring information and instructions to be executed by processor 654.Main memory 656 may also be used for storing temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions to beexecuted by processor 654. Controller 650 further includes a read onlymemory (ROM) 658 or other static storage device 660.

Controller 650 may be coupled via bus 652 to a display 662, such as acathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma displaypanel (PDP), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), projector, or heads updisplay for displaying information to a computer user. An input device666, including alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupled to bus 652for communicating information and command selections to processor 654.Another type of user input device is cursor control 668, such as amouse, a trackball, a touchpad, or cursor direction keys forcommunicating direction information and command selections to processor654 and for controlling cursor movement on display 662. Another type ofuser input device is a touchscreen display 664 where a user maycommunicate information and command selections to processor 654 bytactile interaction with the display thereby controlling cursor movementor alphanumeric and other keys. This input device typically has twodegrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis(e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.

Embodiments of the invention are related to the use of controller 650for setting operational parameters relating to digital messaging andgame playing. According to some embodiment of the invention, layeringsystem parameters are defined and managed by controller 650 in responseto processor 654 executing one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions contained in main memory 656. Such instructions may be readinto main memory 656 from another computer-readable medium, such asstorage device 660. Execution of the sequences of instructions containedin main memory 656 causes processor 654 to perform the process stepsdescribed herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry maybe used in place of or in combination with software instructions toimplement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are notlimited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to processor 654 forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks,such as storage device 660 and 658. Volatile media includes dynamicmemory, such as main memory 656. Transmission media includes coaxialcables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprisebus 652. Transmission media may also take the form of acoustic or lightwaves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared datacommunications.

Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a memorystick, hard disk or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any otheroptical medium, a RAM, a PROM, and EEPROM, any other memory chip orcartridge, or any other medium from which a computer may read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 654 forexecution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on amagnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over adistributed network such as the Internet. A communication device mayreceive the data on the telephone line, cable line, or fiber-optic lineand use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infraredsignal. An infrared detector can receive the data carried in theinfrared signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on bus 652.Bus 652 carries the data to main memory 656, from which processor 654retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received bymain memory 656 may optionally be stored on storage device 660 eitherbefore or after execution by processor 654.

Controller 650 also includes a communication interface 669 coupled tobus 652. Communication interface 669 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to a network link 670 that may be connected to alocal network 672. For example, communication interface 669 may operateaccording to the internet protocol. As another example, communicationinterface 669 may be a local area network (LAN) card allowing a datacommunication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also beimplemented.

Network link 670 typically provides data communication through one ormore networks to other data devices. For example, network link 670provides a connection through local network 672 to a host computer 674or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 676.ISP 676 in turn provides data communication services through theworldwide packet data communication network now commonly referred to asthe “Internet” 679. Local network 672 and Internet 679 both useelectrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital datastreams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on thenetwork link 670 and through communication interface 669, which carrythe digital data to and from controller 650 are exemplary forms ofcarrier waves transporting the information.

In some embodiments, Controller 650 may send messages and receive data,including program code, through the network(s), network link 670 andcommunication interface 669. In the Internet example, a server 690 mighttransmit a requested code for an application program through Internet679, ISP 676, local network 672 and communication interface 669.

Processor 654 may execute the received code as it is received, and/orstored in storage device 660, or other non-volatile storage for laterexecution. In this manner, controller 650 may obtain application code inthe form of a carrier wave.

Access devices may include any device capable of interacting withcontroller or other service provider. Some exemplary devices may includea mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a netbook, a notebook computer,a laptop computer, a wearable computing or electronic device, aterminal, a kiosk, or other type of automated apparatus. Additionalexemplary devices may include any device with a processor executingprogrammable commands to accomplish the steps described herein.

A controller may be a programmable board such as an Arduino board,and/or one or more of: personal computers, laptops, pad devices, mobilephone devices and workstations located locally or at remote locations,but in communication with the system. System apparatus can includedigital electronic circuitry included within computer hardware,firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. Additionally, aspects ofthe invention can be implemented manually.

Apparatus of the invention can be implemented in a computer programproduct tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device forexecution by a programmable processor and method actions can beperformed by a programmable processor executing a program ofinstructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on inputdata and generating output. The present invention may be implementedadvantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processorcoupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data andinstructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, andat least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented ina high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or inassembly or machine language if desired, and in any case, the languagecan be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include,by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors.

Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from aread-only memory and/or a random-access memory. Generally, a computerwill include one or more mass storage devices for storing data files;such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks andremovable disks magneto-optical disks and optical disks. Storage devicessuitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and datainclude all forms of non-volatile memory, including, by way of example,semiconductor memory devices, such as EEPROM and flash memory devices;magnetic disks such as, internal hard disks and removable disks; and CDROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporatedin, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

In some embodiments, implementation of the features of the presentinvention is accomplished via digital computer utilizing uniquelydefined controlling logic, wherein the controller includes an integratednetwork between and among the various participants in ProcessInstruments.

The specific hardware configuration used is not particularly critical,as long as the processing power is adequate in terms of memory,information updating, order execution, redemption and issuance. Anynumber of commercially available database engines may allow forsubstantial account coverage and expansion. The controlling logic mayuse a language and compiler consistent with that on a CPU included inthe medical device. These selections will be set according to per sewell-known conventions in the software community.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary processing and interface system700 is illustrated. In some aspects, access devices 715, 710, 705, suchas a mobile device 715 or laptop computer 710 may be able to communicatewith an external server 725 though a communications network 720. Theexternal server 725 may be in logical communication with a database 726,which may comprise data related to identification information andassociated profile information. In some examples, the server 725 may bein logical communication with an additional server 730, which maycomprise supplemental processing capabilities.

In some aspects, the server 725 and access devices 705, 710, 715 may beable to communicate with a cohost server 740 through a communicationsnetwork 720. The cohost server 740 may be in logical communication withan internal network 745 comprising network access devices 741, 742, 743and a local area network 744. For example, the cohost server 740 maycomprise a payment service, such as PayPal or a social network, such asFacebook or a dating web site.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of amobile device 802 is illustrated. The mobile device 802 may comprise anoptical capture device 808, which may capture an image and convert it tomachine-compatible data, and an optical path 806, typically a lens, anaperture, or an image conduit to convey the image from the rendereddocument to the optical capture device 808. The optical capture device808 may incorporate a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD), a Complementary MetalOxide Semiconductor (CMOS) imaging device, or an optical sensor ofanother type.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 802 may comprise a microphone810, wherein the microphone 810 and associated circuitry may convert thesound of the environment, including spoken words, intomachine-compatible signals. Input facilities 814 may exist in the formof buttons, scroll-wheels, or other tactile sensors such as touch-pads.In some embodiments, input facilities 814 may include a touchscreendisplay. Visual feedback 832 to the user may occur through a visualdisplay, touchscreen display, or indicator lights. Audible feedback 834may be transmitted through a loudspeaker or other audio transducer.Tactile feedback may be provided through a vibration module 836.

In some aspects, the mobile device 802 may comprise a motion sensor 838,wherein the motion sensor 838 and associated circuitry may convert themotion of the mobile device 802 into machine-compatible signals. Forexample, the motion sensor 838 may comprise an accelerometer, which maybe used to sense measurable physical acceleration, orientation,vibration, and other movements. In some embodiments, the motion sensor838 may comprise a gyroscope or other device to sense different motions.

In some implementations, the mobile device 802 may comprise a locationsensor 840, wherein the location sensor 840 and associated circuitry maybe used to determine the location of the device. The location sensor 840may detect Global Position System (GPS) radio signals from satellites ormay also use assisted GPS where the mobile device may use a cellularnetwork to decrease the time necessary to determine location. In someembodiments, the location sensor 840 may use radio waves to determinethe distance from known radio sources such as cellular towers todetermine the location of the mobile device 802. In some embodimentsthese radio signals may be used in addition to and/or in conjunctionwith GPS.

In some aspects, the mobile device 802 may comprise a logic module 826,which may place the components of the mobile device 802 into electricaland logical communication. The electrical and logical communication mayallow the components to interact. Accordingly, in some embodiments, thereceived signals from the components may be processed into differentformats and/or interpretations to allow for the logical communication.The logic module 826 may be operable to read and write data and programinstructions stored in associated storage 830, such as RAM, ROM, flash,or other suitable memory. In some aspects, the logic module 826 may reada time signal from the clock unit 828. In some embodiments, the mobiledevice 802 may comprise an on-board power supply 842. In someembodiments, the mobile device 802 may be powered from a tetheredconnection to another device, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB)connection.

In some implementations, the mobile device 802 may comprise a networkinterface 816, which may allow the mobile device 802 to communicateand/or receive data to a network and/or an associated computing device.The network interface 816 may provide two-way data communication. Forexample, the network interface 816 may operate according to an internetprotocol. As another example, the network interface 816 may comprise alocal area network (LAN) card, which may allow a data communicationconnection to a compatible LAN. As another example, the networkinterface 816 may comprise a cellular antenna and associated circuitry,which may allow the mobile device to communicate over standard wirelessdata communication networks. In some implementations, the networkinterface 816 may comprise a Universal Serial Bus (USB) to supply poweror transmit data. In some embodiments, other wireless links known tothose skilled in the art may also be implemented.

As an illustrative example of a mobile device 802, a reader may scansome text from a newspaper article with mobile device 802. The text isscanned as a bit-mapped image via the optical capture device 808. Logic826 causes the bit-mapped image to be stored in memory 830 with anassociated time-stamp read from the clock unit 828. Logic 826 may alsoperform optical character recognition (OCR) or other post-scanprocessing on the bit-mapped image to convert it to text. Logic 826 mayoptionally extract a signature from the image, for example by performinga convolution-like process to locate repeating occurrences ofcharacters, symbols, or objects, and determine the distance or number ofother characters, symbols, or objects between these repeated elements.The reader may then upload the bit-mapped image (or text or othersignature, if post-scan processing has been performed by logic 826) toan associated computer via network interface 816.

As an example of another use of mobile device 802, a reader may capturesome text from an article as an audio file by using microphone 810 as anacoustic capture port. Logic 826 causes audio file to be stored inmemory 830. Logic 826 may also perform voice recognition or otherpost-scan processing on the audio file to convert it to text. As above,the reader may then upload the audio file (or text produced by post-scanprocessing performed by logic 826) to an associated computer via networkinterface 816.

Dispensing Apparatus

An integral part of the concepts disclosed herein relates to method andapparatus to improve accuracy and effectiveness of fast food restaurantorder realization. One of the final steps in order realization is thedelivery of prepared food to the customer. Novel apparatus fordispensing may interact with computer systems and servers that organizea variety of operational aspects of food order realization. Referringnow to FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C, multiple views of an exemplarydispenser 900 are illustrated. In some examples, a dispenser 900 may belocated interior or exterior to a fast food restaurant, with accessports in the rear 910 for employee access to place prepared food. Accessports in the front 920, may function for consumer access to preparedfood. In some operational flows, an order is received, a restaurantemployee, prepares the order and another restaurant employee places theprepared order into the dispenser. In some examples, a display screenwith scanner may be located on both sides of the dispenser so thatrestaurant staff may control the dispenser and scan food products asthey are placed into the dispenser. In some examples, a dispenser may beconnected with a license plate scanner and have the ability to dispenseitems upon a recognized license place scan. In some examples, a licenseplate scan may be supplemented with biometric data of the occupants,mobile device communication of mobile devices of the occupants or othersupplemental information.

In some examples, a dispenser that is located on the exterior of arestaurant may include a user interface 930, with which a consumer mayinteract for order pick-up and other functions. The user interface 930may comprise a screen 931, for displaying instructions and informationto the consumer. In some embodiments, this screen may be voice activatedor feature a touch screen, allowing the consumer to interact with iconsand buttons displayed on the screen. In other possible embodiments, thisscreen may merely display information for the user, who interacts withan application on their mobile device.

Multiple other embodiments and user interface schemes may be possible,with multiple interface methods having importance to allow differentusers to interact with the dispenser 900 in their preferred method. Theuser interface may include connections to the internet or to a privatenetwork of the restaurant as well as wireless interface connections forvarious standards include WiFi, Cellular, Near Field Communication,Bluetooth, ZigBee, RFID, and the like. The user interface 930 may alsocomprise a scanner 932, to scan barcodes, QR codes, or otheruser-specific codes generated by the application system, for ordering orpick-up purposes. This code may be integral to identify a user who hasarrived at the dispenser 900, identify a user's order, or many othersignificant identifying information that may be important to ensure thata consumer receives their order.

In some examples, the user interface 930 may be located adjacent to thefront access ports 920, as shown in FIG. 9B, or separate from the frontaccess ports 920. In some embodiments, the user interface 930 may alsobe used for placing an order, for consumers who do not wish to use themobile app ahead of time to place an order, or do not possess a mobiledevice with which to place an order. In other examples, the customer maytypically place an order with a mobile device or at a kiosk. Differentoperational flows will be discussed in more detail following.

Referring to FIG. 9C, inside the dispenser 900, multiple food conveyanceand conditioning pods 940 may be seen. Each of these food conveyance andconditioning pods 940 may be located on a movement apparatus 950 (inFIG. 9B) that changes their location within the dispenser 900. Alocation change may be important to move a specific food conveyance andconditioning pod 940 to a rear access port 910, front access port 920,or to a possible storage location 960 within the dispenser 900.

Food conveyance and conditioning pods 940 may be tuned to heat or coolthe food placed within to a desired temperature, to maintain optimalconsumption conditions while they wait in a storage location 960 forpick-up by a consumer. In FIG. 9B, a “Ferris Wheel” type movementapparatus 950 may be seen; this non-limiting movement apparatus 950example may distribute food conveyance and conditioning pods 940 amongfront access ports 920, rear access ports 920, and storage locations960. Such an example, may simultaneously maintain an upright position ofthe food conveyance and conditioning pod 940 so as to prevent food orbeverages from spilling while being moved. In some examples, the podsmay have active elements within them that keep the pod upright. Forexample, gyroscopic elements may be used. In other examples, activedevices can monitor the orientation of the pod and make adjustments toweights within the base of the pod to stabilize the pod to a fixedorientation.

Other movement apparatus 950 types may be possible, such as slidingmechanisms that translate, rather than rotate the food conveyance andconditioning pods 940 to different locations within the dispenser 900,as a non-limiting example. Numerous means to create a storage locationfor food that may be accessed by restaurant personnel for placement offood, that may maintain environments surrounding the food during itsstorage, and that may dispense the food to a user when controlconditions indicate a condition to dispense the food.

Referring now to FIG. 9D, FIG. 9E, and FIG. 9F, several examples of afood distribution tray may be seen. FIG. 9D may represent a possiblestandard food distribution tray possessing both a food (or solid andpackaged goods) area 971 and beverage (or liquid goods) holders 972.Bags or other possible packaging for food may be placed in the food area971 of the distribution tray raised sides 975 of the food area 971 ofthe distribution tray may keep the food from falling out of the traywhen it is placed inside of the food conveyance and conditioning pods940. If a consumer is removing the distribution tray from the foodconveyance and conditioning pod 940 to acquire it, or at other points inthe process between cooking and consuming the food, there may bejostling actions, shaking, jolting and the like which may dislodgestored products if there is not a sufficient height of the raised sides975. In some examples, the food distribution tray may have a standardlocation upon which barcode labels may be affixed. In some otherexamples, food distribution trays may also include imbedded RFID devicesor other devices for tracking and identification.

In an important embodiment, the food products are contained withinfixtures within a bin of a dispenser where the fixtures are maintainedwithin the bin when the customer removes their food. Thus, cup holdersand food product bins may be opened to the customer where the customermay reach into the bin and remove cups and packages of food withoutremoving the storage fixtures from the bin. Thus, in some embodimentsthere may be no paper or metal tray utilized to dispense food productsto a user.

Similarly, raised sides of the cup holder 972 of the distribution traymay keep drinks from falling out of the distribution tray or fallingover inside of the distribution tray when being placed inside of thefood conveyance and conditioning pods 940, when a consumer is removingthe distribution tray from the food conveyance and conditioning pod 940to acquire the beverage and/or other items, or at other points in theprocess between the pouring of and consuming of the beverage, where itmay be jostled or otherwise inclined to fall. If an order contains justfood or just beverages, an employee may use a distribution trayoptimized for food 973 (FIG. 9E) or a distribution tray optimized forbeverages 974 (FIG. 9F), respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 9G, FIG. 9H, and FIG. 91, examples of foodconveyance and conditioning pods 940 may be seen. Multiple views of thisexemplary food conveyance and conditioning pod 940 are shown todemonstrate an embodiment of separable food conditioning areas 980. Inthis example of a food conveyance and conditioning pod 940, the storagelocation may be accessed from both the front and the rear of the unit asillustrated. Thus, by opening a set of front doors (shown removed inFIGS. 9G-9I) access may be granted from a single front access port 920.Alternatively, opening doors in the rear of the unit may allow accessfrom a rear access port 920. In some examples each of the front and rearsides of the food conveyance and conditioning pod 940 may have twoseparate doors for access to a left or right side. The doors of a binmay slide open to grant access to a user when the user is identifiedwith a specific identifier, a barcode receipt, or a mobile device basedbarcode or other means of identification. The doors may includecomposite doors that open the outside environment to the inside of thedispenser, and each bin may have a set of doors which keep the heatedand cooled environments controlled. These bid doors may be opened by theuser or may automatically open on a verified identification beingpresented.

There may be two separate food conditioning areas 980 which exist insidea single pod, with individually condition control hardware 981. Thus, insome examples, the environment of the left side portion of the pod maybe maintained at a refrigerated condition while the environment of theright-side portion of the pod may be maintained at a heated condition.

In some examples, the separation between the left and right sides of thepod may be achieved by a movable partition door 982, shown in a closedposition in FIG. 9G and an open position in FIG. 9H. In some examples,the condition control hardware may comprise fans and thermoelectricheating and cooling modules along with a system controller which mayinterface with thermocouples or other temperature measuring deviceslocated within the pod. Any heating and cooling systems which mayinterface with a moving pod may be utilized. In the example mentioned,thermoelectric temperature control modules may either heat or cool theregion under the control of electrical flow with minimal vibration, andflow of chemicals and the like. The bins may include insulation to keepthermal environments stable. In some examples, vacuum vessels may beutilized for insulation where a metallic bin component on the inside anda corresponding piece on the outside are welded to thin interfacecomponents which keep an inside metallic part predominantly separatedfrom a corresponding metal external piece, where the space between maybe evacuated in some examples for good insulating properties.

Referring to FIG. 9G and 9H, the partition door 982 may move to its openposition, as shown in FIG. 9H, to allow a distribution tray to be slidinto the food conveyance and conditioning pod 940. The distribution traymay include flanges on its side which may slid into mating slots 983 ofthe pod. Once a distribution tray is fully situated within the foodconveyance and conditioning pod 940, the partition door 982 may moveback down to its closed position. Locks may secure the tray in place sothat it may not be removed without a proper unlocking device. Pressuresensing hardware may be coordinated with the partition door 982 toensure that it does not push against any obstacles (food or otherwise)while descending to its closed position. This may prevent the accidentalcrushing of food or other items, which may be undesirable for theconsumer.

In the case where there is an interference of the intermediate door, anemployee may be warned of its happening, and prompted to adjust the foodor otherwise remove the blockage inside of the food conveyance andconditioning pod 940. The profile of the partition door 982 may have aclose fit to the distribution tray allowing the partition door 982 toclose down on the distribution tray with minimal resistance or friction,yet to achieve as much of a thermal insulating barrier between the twoseparate food conditioning areas 980 as possible. This fit may alsoachieve further stabilization of the distribution tray within the foodconveyance and conditioning pod 940 as it is moved around for storageand distribution.

When the food is ready for pick-up, the food conveyance and conditioningpod 940 may open at the front access port 920, and the partition door982 may move to its open position. This frees the distribution tray tobe grasped by a consumer and slid out of the food conveyance andconditioning pod 940. In some examples, the illustrated trays may residewith the bin and provide supportive surfaces to store the food in, wherea user will reach into the bin and remove the food products from the bintrays without removing a tray. In some embodiments, separate smallerdistribution trays may be placed in each of the separate foodconditioning areas 980, or a single smaller distribution tray may beplaced in a single food conditioning area 980. In some embodiments, bothseparate food conditioning areas 980 may be heated to maintain thecondition of hot food or other heated items; alternatively, bothseparate food conditioning areas 980 may be cooled to maintain thecondition of cooled beverages, ice creams or other cooled items. As thethird possibility already mentioned, one of the separated foodconditioning areas 980 may be cooled, while the other is heated.

There may be numerous sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, gascomposition and the like. Other sensors may monitor the presence of foodproducts and trays within the device. In some examples, cameras may belocated within the pods to allow for remote viewing of the status withinthe pod. Other examples of sensors may include weight detecting pads ordevices located within the bin that can identify when an item is placedor removed from a bin. The resulting signal can support the closing ofthe bin/pod.

In other examples, a weight range sensor may be used that may identifyan approximate weight range of an order placed into a bin. This weightmay be compared to a range of weights that may be expected for aparticular order. Variation outside of an expected weight range maysignify to the kitchen staff a potential with a paired order.

An RFID tracker or other proximity device may be tagged, labeled,placed, or stuck-on an order. In some examples, the device or trackercan be paired or assigned to a bin or dispenser. When the tracker ordevice is removed along with the order, the bin or dispenser mayrecognize its removal and close the bin/pod paired when a tracker deviceis observed to be removed. In a similar manner, laser scanning apparatusmay also be used to determine when an item has been removed from itscorresponding/paired bin or when the bin contains its order.

In some examples, the application may provide the user with a variety ofcontrol options that may be user selectable. For example, a user mayrequest a target time for the placement of food into a food storage bin.In some examples, a GPS based positioning signal of a user may beutilized to determine their proximity and estimated arrival time at adispense where such an estimate could be used to implement the targetingfor placement of food or for heating hot food products shortly before anexpected arrival of a user. The location determination may utilizegeopositioning/geofencing techniques based on GPS receivers, cell phonelocation based on cell/repeater location capabilities, or any othertechnique that supports a determination of a user's location.

In some other examples, the user may choose a customized temperatureand/or humidity that a user can request while their food is stored. Insome specialized pods, there may be special equipment such as theability to invoke a microwave function of the specialized pods. Usersmay request a pod with a microwave and may set a particular setpoint formicrowaving their product when they pick-up the order. In some examples,a pod may comprise heat lamps. Hereto, the user may set particular setpoints for the heat lamp including when to turn on the heat lamp, whento turn off the heat lamp, and what level to set the heat lamp. In someother examples, pods may have specialized features to introduce aromasinto the packaging of the stored food upon pick-up. Like the otherspecialized functions, the user may have optional control over the typeof aroma, and quantity of aroma to distribute upon their packaging asthe order is picked up.

The interior of the pods may be subject to numerous events that maycreate a dirty condition. Therefore, in some examples, the internalcomponents may be shielded by covers which may be removable for thoroughcleaning. In some other examples, the covers may be formed of removablematerial which may be disposable. So, a removable portion may be removedand replaced at a frequency while the underlying surfaces may be cleanedbetween the placement of the removable covers. In other examples, thecomponents may be sufficiently encapsulated so that the entire bin maybe washed with vigorous washing flows. In some examples a pod washingapparatus may be located within the base of the dispenser and it may beable to engage a pod while it is stored in the lowest condition. Thefront and rear doors of the pod may be opened, after checking that thepod is empty. The cleaning unit may interface with the pod to clean,and/or sterilize and/or dry it.

In some examples, a user may connect to a dispenser in route. The choicefor which dispenser to connect to may be determined by a variety ofinfluences which may include the path of destination, time duration,selecting a store associated with a dispenser, application integration(i.e. google maps), proximity to current location, or its location nearcertain destinations.

Application Flow.

Referring to FIG. 10, an example flow for the hardware and softwareelements of the present invention is presented. The intent of theapplication may be to transform drive-thru ordering of products througha tool which may increase kitchen staff efficiency, reduce errors, andprovide alternative ways for consumers to order and pre-order food at afast food or a quick-service restaurant establishment. The combinationof hardware and software may create novel operational flow, novelapparatus for the support of new types of flow and other suchimprovements.

In some examples, an application form of a software program may beinstalled on a mobile device. The fast food based application may beengaged by a user when preparing to order food. At step 1000 a user mayattempt to utilize the application. A check may occur at step 1001 on adevice that a user is utilizing. If the application is not present onthe device, then the application may be downloaded 1002 and an accountmay be set up 1003. After account setup, the user may use theapplication at the same point on the flow when the earlier determinationwould have found that the application was present. The application maybe used to select a location for the user to obtain a food product 1004.

In some examples, an automatic location selection process may be used. Agps or mobile unit based location may be determined by the applicationand that location may be compared to a location based database for foodproducts in the proximity of the user, where such a list of proximatelocation may be presented to the user. In some examples, otherinformation about the user may be accessible to the application, such aspreferences about types of restaurants, specific brands of restaurantsand the like which may be used to prioritize lists presented to theuser. In other examples, the user may opt to enter a manual selectionfor a particular restaurant and/or location. The barcodes created by thesystem can be scanned at numerous restaurant types that support theapplication, regardless of location. One barcode may be scanned at anyfranchise location, thus identifying the user's arrival at a specificrestaurant upon scan. In some examples, during the ordering process theapplication may determine the nearest or most appropriate, based onother metrics, restaurant for the user to go to, if the user is open tothe system making such a recommendation. The system may interface withother applications to assist the user with directions to such chosenrestaurants.

At step 1005, the user may initiate the order process. The applicant mayquery the user, at step 1006, whether the order processing is for theuser alone or for the user and one or more acquaintances. If the orderis an order for a group of people, a repetitive loop of steps may occurto determine the identity of the users in the group 1007. The initialuser may identify or invite other users by various means including theirmobile number, their email address, an identification from varioussocial media applications or other such means. For each of the group ofidentified users, the application may reach out to them with aninvitation 1008. Each of the users may be contacted on a device wherethe presence of the application may be assessed 1009. If the applicationis not present on the next user of the group's device, it may bedownloaded 1010 and the user's information may be used to set up anaccount 1011.

The application may receive a response from the user as to whether hewants to participate in the group order 1012. If the user rejects theinvitation, then that user is terminated from the group 1013. Theprocess may occur for each of the users identified in the group or untila timing deadline is reached. In some examples, the originator of thegroup may be asked for a deadline for group members to add their orders.In other examples, the user may obtain a status of the group members intheir ordering process and may elect to end a waiting period for anymembers who have not completed their ordering process.

For users who accept the invitation, the applicant may allow them toplace an order 1014. The application may offer to the user the abilityto pay for their own order as well as an option to pay for the order ofothers in the group 1015. In many cases, the first user of the group mayopt to pay for the entire group of subsequent users. Nevertheless,flexibility for other payment options may exist where other members ofthe group may pay for themselves or others. If the user from the groupindicates they would like to pay for others, they may be presented witha list of the users in the group that they may pay for. At step 1016,the user may choose which of the group to pay for. At step 1017, theuser may choose a manner of payment. For users in the group whose ordershave been selected to be paid by another, the user in question may optwhether to accept the payment of another and for other situations theuser may choose a method of payment. In some examples, users may havestandard forms of payment that they may store on a database that theapplication interacts with. At step 1018, the first person who initiatedall the ordering, who may be considered an organizer, may receive asubmission of the orders of the group, the payment status, and the like.The organizer may finalize the ordering preparation process and confirmthe orders at step 1022.

If there is no group order, then the ordering process may step from theprevious step 1006 to a step where the user can select an order forthemselves 1020. At step 1021, the user may make a selection of themanner of payment for the order. The application may default to a user'sfavorite method of payment. As with the group process, there may benumerous forms of payments that may be stored about a user on a serversystem associated with the application. In other examples, the user mayprovide information about a new form of payment, gifting rewards points,sharing store promotions, or other payment methods.

The payment for the order may next be presented to the user at step1023. In some examples, the user may be given a choice between payingfor the order after authorizing the order at step 1024. In which case,the payment will be processed. Alternatively, the user may opt tocomplete the payment at a later time. Processing may proceed to nextgenerating a code 1025 associated with the order such as a 2-dimensionalbarcode or other unique identifying code. After the generation of thecode, the processing may continue to one or more different flows relatedto use of the code 1026 in store, at a remote dispenser, or through adrive-thru. The application can generate unique barcodes, for users toplace “Quick Orders,” making payment, validating orders in-store anddrive-thru, and picking up food from dispenser apparatus. Users maychoose to receive notifications when an order is placed, when payment ismade, when their order is ready for pick-up and other key functions ofthe operational process.

In some examples, the application may include a feature to “send orderby me” command. Capability to send quick order or automatic “go-to”order to a certain restaurant or dispenser. In using the feature, a usermay preselect a store, pick store by distance, route, direction,proximity, by landmarks/locations, time, or other methods. In someexamples, the user may use voice control in controlling features.

Throughout this description reference is made to the use of “barcodes”.It is understood that the use of the word “barcode” can be interpretedas a cryptographic representation or variations of images, codes, orother representations, which can be used to, but not limited to, unlock,decode, translate, transmit, or process a plurality of user information,payment information, order information, or any other information that ispertinent to the operation or use of the systems discussed within.

In-Store Flow.

In some examples, an order flow may be initiated with the applicationflow as described and then completed in the store. In some examples, thesteps described with the application flow may occur in-store and thenthey may naturally be completed in-store. Referring to FIG. 11, theoperational flow for in-store completion of an order flow isillustrated. At step 1100, the user may arrive within the confines of arestaurant (“Store”). In some examples, a WiFi system, a Bluetoothsystem, other NFC systems or other communication systems of mobiledevices, may interact with the user's mobile apparatus if theappropriate permissions have been given by the user, and they may begreeted with a notification on their mobile apparatus which may includea status of any orders that may have been placed. The operational flowin FIG. 11 depends up the state of whether an order has been placedalready in step 1101. If an order has been placed, the operational flowthen depends upon the state of whether the order has already been paidat step 1102. If the order has not been paid, the user may either paydirectly within their app within the store or the user may scan auser-specific, generated barcode or unique identifier that they havebeen provided with by the application related to their order and theother information of relevance to the user. The scanning of the barcodemay occur at a kiosk within the store 1103. The kiosk may interact withthe user and ask whether the user would like to complete payment withinthe application at step 1104. If they do, the kiosk may communicate withthe application to provide communication of that desire. Alternatively,the user may elect to pay at the kiosk 1105. In some examples the usermay provide a credit card, a debit card, cash, or other forms of paymentsuch as bitcoin, rewards points, gift card balances, or other electroniccurrency. In some other examples, the kiosk may offer to process paymentas may be processed within the mobile device app, where a stored form ofpayment may be accepted at the kiosk. The kiosk may have numerous formsof security to provide validation of such a transaction such as facialrecognition, finger print scanning and the like. After payment hasconcluded the user may proceed to pick-up their order at step 1111.

Referring back to reference step 1101, in an alternative, the user maynot have already placed an order and may prefer to use the applicationto process their order. As discussed previously, such an instore orderprocess may also proceed with a group order processing scheme. At step1106, the user may proceed to the application and at step 1108, the usermay place an order through the application which may result in thegeneration of a unique barcode 1115. After proceeding through thisoperational step, the operational flow may proceed to the previouslydiscussed step 1102 for further operation.

In the alternative, at step 1106, the user may opt not to place theirorder in the application device. Under such circumstances, the user mayproceed to order and/or pay at either a kiosk or at a service counterwithin the restaurant 1109. In some examples, the ordering process mayresult in the printing of a receipt that includes a unique, barcodepattern 1110 consistent with the other operational aspects discussedherein. In some other examples, a barcode may be provided to the user ona label separate from any receipt that may be provided. In still furtherexamples, the barcode may be electronically provided to a smart deviceof the user in addition to any receipt. In any of these cases the usermay proceed in the operational flow to pick-up their order at step 1111.

During the completion of the ordering process, the pick-up location maybe designated to be a dispenser as defined within the presentspecification. The designation may be made, in some examples at thechoice of a user through operation of the mobile application, or throughchoices made at a kiosk, or with verbal communication with an employeeat the counter. In other examples, the restaurant logistics systems mayelect to provide the order at a kiosk and this may be communicated tothe user. The operational flow depends upon the state of whether thepick-up location is at a dispenser at step 1112. If not, the user mayreceive their order via a typical flow at step 1113. If the pick-uplocation is a dispenser, then the operational flow will continue at step1114 with the operational flow relating to dispenser operations insections following.

Drive-Thru Flow.

The operational flow aspects of the present invention provideoperational aspects for drive-thru operational flows which may expeditethe delivery of a pre-order from the app. The operations may alsostreamline drive-thru operations for users who do not use theapplication software and hardware of the present invention.

Locations utilizing the present invention may have the option ofimplementing a license plate scanner within drive-thru lanes. Theautomobile license plate may be scanned and associated with a user,either through information provided by users in their application orthrough previously filled orders of a user with an automobile comprisingthe license plate. When there is a match to a user, and a match to anexisting order, the application will determine the status of the order.

Referring to FIG. 12, the operational flow aspects related todrive-thrus are illustrated. At step 1200, a user may arrive at adrive-thru. If the establishment has a license plate scanner theoperational status at step 1201 may proceed through license platescanning related operations. At step 1202, the license plate of thearriving vehicle may be scanned, or a user's face may be scanned, or acombination of both or several other identification methods. The systemmay include cross-reference related data including biometrics andcoordination with geofence systems that can indicate the location of anidentified user at step 1223. Analysis of data on the license plate mayallow the controlling software of the system to determine whether theuser is recognized at step 1203. The recognition of the user may allowthe system to draw upon configuration aspects of the user 1224 which mayinclude the ability to suggest orders based on previous orders,preferences, favorites, and the like.

There may be other means of identification of the user within a vehicle.In some examples, an automobile may communicate a unique identifierthrough its electrical systems through a WiFi, Bluetooth or other systembroadcast. In some examples, the automobile may maintain a database anditself may be able to interact with communication systems of therestaurant at the drive-thru to understand the identity of therestaurant and communicate a specific identifying code associated withthe car at the particular type of establishment. In other examples, theuser's mobile device may communicate identifying information to theestablishment at the drive-thru. Equivalently, if any of these methodsare used, the resulting identification information may be used todetermine whether the user is recognized at step 1203.

If the user is recognized, then the status of whether an order has beenplaced is queried at step 1204. If the order has been placed, then theoperational flow proceeds to assessing whether the order has been paidfor at step 1210. If any of the status queries, including whether thereis a license plate scanner, whether there is a recognized user, orwhether an order has been placed has a negative status, then theoperational flow may proceed to whether the user at the drive-thru hasthe application on a mobile device at step 1205. If the user has theapp, then the app is used to assess whether an order has been placed atstep 1206. If an order has been placed, then the processing flow alsoproceeds to the step at 1210 of whether the order has been paid.

On the other hand, if the order has not been placed at step 1206, thenthe operational flow proceeds to step 1207 and the order is placed bythe user on the app. The system may process the order and generate abarcode 1225 and processing also proceeds to the step at 1210 of whetherthe order has been paid for. If it has been paid, then the flow willproceed to allow the user to pick-up the food 1220. If the bill has notbeen paid, then the user may pay in an app 1211 after the user hasscanned the unique barcode at the kiosk. If the user opts not to pay inthe app, then the processing may proceed to the user proceeding to akiosk, and then scan their barcode to order and pay 1212. The paymentmay proceed by a credit card charge, bill payment, or through usingpayment mechanisms set up in the account of the user on the applicationwhich may be accessible at the kiosk.

If at step 1205 the user is found not to have an application installedon a mobile device, the application flow may proceed to step 1208 wherethe driver may proceed to a kiosk where the user may place an order andpay for it. After the payment is completed, the user may receive areceipt with a unique barcode identifier thereupon 1209. The user maytake the receipt to pick-up the food 1220.

When the processing proceeds to step, to pick-up the food 1220 , a statemay be resolved relating to whether the pick-up processing has been sentto a dispensing apparatus. 1221. If the processing has been sent to thedispensing apparatus, then processing proceeds to the operational flowfor automatic dispensing, as mentioned in following sections 1222. Ifthe dispensing is not sent to a dispensing apparatus, then processingproceeds to normal operations 1230 such as an employee dispensing a foodorder to the user.

Dispenser Flow.

The operational flow aspects of the present invention include stepsrelated to the utilization of unique dispenser apparatuses. In someexamples, a single type of dispenser is utilized in a number oflocations of a store/restaurant. In others there may be tailored typesof dispensers depending on the location of the apparatus within thestore. A dispenser is a point-of-sale food pick-up device for ordersplaced using the application related flows as have been described. Aftermarking the order with a unique barcode or identifier, kitchen staff canplace the food order into the dispenser for easy retrieval by the user.The order can be scan, cataloged, and traced by matching theuser-specific code with the said unique identifier from the kitchen.

In the various operational states as mentioned previously an order forfood is placed with the restaurant. Upon receipt of the order, the storeprepares and packages the food. Barcodes are used to identify the ordersand placed on order containers. Barcodes are scanned prior to the orderbeing placed in a dispenser bin to track the location of order and guidethe customer to their order for automated pick-up. Upon scan, adispenser pod is matched or paired to the item, which will thencorrespond with the customer's uniquely generated identifier scanned atpick-up.

Proceeding to FIG. 13, exemplary operational flows related to the fooddispenser are illustrated. At step 1300, a food order is received at therestaurant. At step 1301 a state variable is ascertained as to whetherthe food order has been placed through the application processes, whichconsiders the use of printed receipts containing unique identifiers, ashave been described. If the state is resolved that the order has notbeen placed through the application flows, then a typical form ofdispensing at the restaurant is performed at step 1302. However, if thestate is resolved that the order was placed through the application thena packaging flow step 1302 specific to the application is commenced. Thefood order will be labeled with a barcode that is printed for the order1303. The processing may continue with a scan of the barcode immediatelyupon placing the label to ensure that the systems will be able to readthe barcode properly 1304. Next, the food order may be placed within theautomated dispenser 1305, which deploys an appropriate receptacledesignated to the unique identifier upon scan. As mentioned previouslyin relationship to examples of the dispenser, the food order may bestored under conditions which may allow the warm items to be kept warmand the cool items to be kept cool at step 1320.

Continuing with FIG. 13, a user may arrive at a dispenser 1310. Asmentioned, there may be numerous locations for a dispenser, howeverthree standard locations may include a dispenser that is located withinthe order room of a restaurant such that the front of the dispenserfaces the customers on one side of a wall and the rear faces the kitchenon the other side of the wall. In another example, the dispenser mayalso be located within a wall where one side faces a drive-thru lane andthe other faces the kitchen of the restaurant. The third standardlocation may be remote from the restaurant in a standalone location.Restaurant staff may fill the dispenser from one side while customersaccess from the other in some examples.

As the user interacts with the dispenser they may provide informationabout themselves by scanning their barcode 1311 with a barcode scannerof the dispenser. In some other examples, the dispensing system may alsobe able to read a facial scan or license plate on a vehicle of the userfor identification. Other biometrics may be obtained for identificationpurposes or cross-referenced with other identification methods. Methodsas such may be paired with scanning systems at the time of order toassist in the identification of users who may or may not have used amobile application or device. Next, the system may investigate whetherthe order related to the barcode/license plate is located in thedispenser at step 1312. If the order is not located in the dispenser, areport condition is flagged at step 1314. The report may be passed on torestaurant or other staff of the restaurant. The staff may interact withthe customer 1315 at the dispenser. This may be through two-waycommunication devices at the dispenser, which may include an audio/videosession through the kiosk of the dispenser. In other examples, a staffmay resolve the discrepancy in person at step 1316. In other examples,the report of the missing order may be reported to the user through theapplication at step 1317. Hereto, staff of the restaurant may interactwith the client in person to resolve the issue at step 1316.

When the order is found at step 1312, the processing will continue tosupport the collection of the items for the order 1313. In someexamples, the processing at step 1320 may proceed to move a foodconveyance and conditioning pod from a storage location to a locationwhich may open up to the verified customer. Then the customer maycollect their order at step 1321. In some examples sensors in thedispenser may sense whether the order has been fully collected and warnthe user if not. If the item remains uncollected, communication to boththe store and the customer may be made at step 1324 using theapplication and various communication means. If the item is collected,the system may query the user as to whether the order was the correctorder at step 1322. In some examples, in addition to the answer ofwhether the order was correct, the customer may be given the chance toprovide feedback 1323 about the order, quality and process to fulfillthe order. If the order is incorrect, a report condition is flagged atstep 1324. The report may be passed on to restaurant or other staff ofthe restaurant. The staff may interact with the customer 1326 at thedispenser. This may be through two-way communication devices at thedispenser, which may include an audio/video session through the kiosk ofthe dispenser. In other examples, a staff may resolve the discrepancy inperson at step 1327. In other examples, the report of the missing ordermay be reported to the user through the application at step 1325.Hereto, staff of the restaurant may interact with the client in personto resolve the issue at step 1327.

Identification

There may be numerous types of codes that may be used to provideidentification and operational information. In some examples herein,barcodes may be used including one dimensional barcodes, two dimensionalbarcodes and more sophisticated barcodes where color or holographicallyencoded information may be accessed. In some examples, 2D barcodes maybe used in various steps throughout the ordering and pick-up process.Examples of the 2D barcodes may include those that use JSON Web Token(JWT) technology (such as may be found in reference to the web pagehttps://jwt.io/) to encode data pertinent to a transaction.

The “Operating System” or application will decode and validate thetokens, and then process transactions. Referring to FIG. 14, the codesmay be generated or read in various aspects of the operations discussedherein including on mobile devices with operating systems such as iOSand Android 1410 where the barcode may be a 2D code displayed on ascreen 1411. In some other examples, the code may be generated on areceipt 1400 where the code is printed on the receipt 1401. In stillfurther examples, the code may simply be printed upon a label at step1420. In some examples, a label may be a tag which includes an embeddedidentification device 1421 such as an RFID, where an electronicalrepresentation of the barcode pattern may be stored and transmitted. Thetag may also act as a proximity tool that pairs with a dispenser ordispenser bin, and may identify when an item is placed, present, orremoved from said dispenser or dispenser bin. As shown a tag may haveboth a printed code 1420 and an embedded identification device 1421 orit may merely have the embedded identification device.

The barcode may contain numerous forms and values of informationrelating to the customer, the order, and other operational aspects. Inan example, the information contained in the code may include thefollowing data: data for transaction validation; a transaction typeidentifier; an order number; a location identifier; financialinformation such as the total cost of an order, and a signing key whichmay include the means to identify dispensing locations and storage binsand the information to unlock dispensing apparatus for an order withsecurity. A signing key may be a unique identifier that is generatedeach time a barcode is requested and provides a secure manner to controlthe integrity of barcodes to users, orders and produced food products.This may ensure that a new, uniquely generated barcode may not beduplicated or copied, is user-specific, may only be used within theapplication, or is newly generated at the start of every order process,thus enhancing user security and order fidelity. Upon dispenser scan,the user-specific, uniquely generated barcode with signing keyfunctionality may be encrypted, erased, locked, or any other method maybe used in disabling the barcode and rendering it unusable orincompatible for future use.

“Quick Orders”

A user of the applicant may build an experience history as they utilizethe application for purchasing orders. The overall operational flow maybe controlled by software algorithms that operate on servers that may belocated in a restaurant or remote from a restaurant. The user's identitymay cause algorithms to pull up the order history of a user and displaya set of “Quick Orders” which the user may select in as little as asingle finger stroke. There may be numerous ways that the system chosesand provides choices for the quick order scheme. In a first example, thesystem may look at order history and choose from the highest frequencyorders that a user has made and provide the top ones as quick orderoptions. In some examples, the frequency of orders may be time weightedso that the most frequently order most recent orders are dominant aschoices for quick orders. In a different vein, in some examples thesystem may have access to other information related to the user and hisenvironment where factors such as the temperature of the environmentthat the user is located in may influence the types of orders that areprovided as quick orders. In some other examples, the recent history oforders of all users not just the user himself may provide a “socially”influenced list of quick orders. If the user has linked the applicationwith social media systems, choices across “friends” of the user may beprovided as a quick order for the user. In other examples, the systemmay have access to marketing promotions of a particular restaurant thata user is in proximity to and some of these may be provided to the useras a quick order. Saved favorites may also be categorized and stored forlater use so the user only has a single button request to generate afavorite order to be scanned and paid for at kiosk arrival.

A quick order may function as a list of graphical options that isdisplayed to the user through a mobile device using the application orthrough a kiosk where the kiosk has been initialized to the user'sidentity for an interaction session. The user may touch one or more ofthe quick order options to get more information about the option, andultimately as the user drills down to the information about the option,they may be able to touch a button to activate an order process of thebutton. The quick order process may create a barcode in much the samemanner as has been described with information contained in the code suchas a transaction type identifier, a particular quick order identifier, auser identifier, payment identifiers and the like.

Order/Package Label Logistics

When a kitchen utilizing the applications as discussed herein receivesan order, the system may communicate a unique order label to apparatusin the kitchen which may be used to identify and track an order process.Said label may match or correspond to the user's unique identifier. Ateach step in the process of preparing the food order, assembling thefood order, and placing the food order into dispensers a unique orderlabel(s) will be scanned to allow the order and its associated status tobe tracked, logged, and matched to a dispenser and correspondinguser-specific, unique identifier. The printed label may includetransaction type identifier, order numbers, location identifiers,financial information including total cost, a signing key, and the like.

Infrastructure Architecture

A core aspect of the various operational improvements disclosed hereinis the supporting information technology architecture and its associatedsoftware. In some examples, the infrastructure architecture platformmakes use of a Service Oriented Architecture pattern. Referring to FIG.15, an illustration of an exemplary platform shows the interconnectionof various components. A collection of interfaces 1500 includes thedevices that users will interact with across the platform. Thecollection of interfaces 1500 includes applications which drive variousdevices such as license plate scanners or facial scanners 1501, kiosks1502, mobile devices 1503, dispensers 1504, web clients 1505,barcode/unique identifier scanners 1506, and geofencing infrastructureas non-limiting examples. The architecture may also include a loadbalancer 1520 which routes traffic to the “workers” 1560 based on thetraffic load experienced by the servers 1530. The “workers” 1560 mayinclude each service that may be managed by independent applications.Some examples of services which may be managed by a work includepayment, ordering, unique code generation, receipt generation and thelike.

Given the distributed nature of the service, as well as the possiblescale of use, this exemplary architecture may be built to scalehorizontally. As services receive higher amounts of usage, more serversmay be added to a “pool” to handle the increased load. The API Servers1530 provide the resource for processing transactions in the system.Requests will be routed to a Message Queue and distributed to otherworkers within the system. To make the system fault-tolerant, thearchitecture may use message queues 1540 to communicate between servicesand ensure that transactions are resent and processed in case offailure. Continuing with the architecture, various caching mechanisms1550 may be used to ensure application speed is maintained at a highlevel. As well, various data stores 1570 may be implemented to holdapplication data.

Physical Architecture.

Various physical devices support the operational flows as have beendefined. The physical architecture may include various hardware devicesand software applications throughout the ordering and pickup process.Some of the physical devices may include barcode scanners, browser basedapplications, dispensers, food preparation and packaging devices,kiosks, facial scanners, license plate scanners, communication devicessuch as routers, WiFi nodes, near field communication hubs, mobileapplicant platforms, receipt and label printers as non-limitingexamples. Each of these elements may work with one another in variousways throughout the process.

Different combinations of these different device types may be used inthe store versus at the drive-thru and in other external locations. Auser who engages with the system in-store may interact with the systemwith numerous exemplary devices. For example, a mobile device may beused in-store to place an order, invite users for group orders, andgenerate barcodes for various activities with the application on theirmobile device. Another example may include a kiosk with barcode scannerswhich may enable a user to place an order in various manners. The kioskwith barcode scanner may interface with a user's mobile device, or itmay be used to manually place an order. The kiosk with barcode scannermay enable the user to pay with their mobile device, or pay directlythrough the kiosk. A barcode printer made be used in cases that the userdoes not use the other aspects of the application; in which case theywill receive a receipt with printed, use-specific barcode to interactwith the rest of the operational flow. Dispensers may be located instore to dispense from the kitchen to the customers in the restauranthall.

The drive-thru operations of the system may use some of the samephysical architecture as is used in store but in different ways, and itmay have additional devices. For example, the external drive-thru mayhave a combination of license plate scanners that may identify acustomer as they approach the restaurant and drive-thru and another setof scanners when they pick-up their food at a dispenser. There may betwo types of dispenser related to drive-thru operations. In a firstexample, a dispenser may be located at a wall of the restaurant, so therestaurant staff may load from the kitchen and the user may pick-up thruthe drive-thru lane. In another type of external operation, a standalonedispense may be used where the dispenser does not pass thru a wall and acar may pull up to an isolated dispenser device. Remote orders placedahead of time may come to a designated dispenser as well. The user mayengage the system through use of their mobile device. The use may employthe mobile device to place an order, invite users for group orders, andgenerate barcodes for various activities with the application on theirmobile device. The external physical architecture may include a kioskwith a barcode scanner which may allow a user to place an order withtheir mobile device, manually place an order at the kiosk, pay withtheir mobile device, and pay through the kiosk. The kiosk may alsoinclude a barcode printer for users to print a barcode receipt if theyare interacting with the system without a mobile device application. Thedispenser itself may include a hardware component with functionalitysimilar to a kiosk.

Another set of operations which include a physical architecture may bewithin the kitchen. Employees who are preparing the food and performingoperations may receive information and directions from browser basedapplications displaying information on terminals to process orders,print labels for food items or containers, and track orders. Barcode andlabel printers may be used to create the user-specific, barcode labelsto organize logistics and ensure food location and correct orderplacement into dispensers. A number of types of dispensers willphysically interact with the kitchen where employees may load foodpackages with barcodes thereupon. A track system, belt, mechanized itemcontainer, or other means of transporting, automatically labeling,scanning, pairing with a dispenser bin, or loading items into adispenser or dispenser bin may be used. This may aid kitchen staff initem queue management, tracking, scanning, or delivery into thedispenser. Scanners in the kitchen and at the dispenser may be used totrack food products as they are processed and in their storage locationswithin dispensers. Said user-specific barcodes, may match the sameone-time, user-specific generated barcode given to a customer.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES

Ordering Process at a Kiosk

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable use of kiosks in the orderingprocess. Referring to FIG. 16, at step 1600 the ordering process mayoptionally commence with a facial scan. At Step 1601, a user may beallowed to place an order at a kiosk, or on a mobile device first andthen scan a resulting order barcode at the kiosk. At step 1602, thesystem devices may communicate the order, identification and other datato servers/cloud and receive information back to a mobile device toconstitute a barcode. At step 1603, the process may continue with theissuing of an order to a restaurant to create a logistics order inkitchen and signals to a label printer to print a barcode. At step 1604,the kitchen of the restaurant may prepare the order and affix the labelto a tray, cup, or other packaging. At step 1605, a member of therestaurant staff may place the prepared food order into a dispenser andoptionally scan barcode with a barcode scanner to ensure that the systemhas recorded the correct location of a specific order. At step 1606,communicate progress of order to customer. At step 1607, initiate acommunication process at the dispenser where the customer presents theirmobile device with barcode to scanner at the dispenser. At step 1608,the system may issue commands to move the dispenser positions to openthe pod with the order to the customer where they pick out the order.Variations of this specific example are well within the intent of thepresent disclosure.

License Plate Scanning and Ordering

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable license plate scanning techniquesin the ordering process. Referring to FIG. 17, at step 1700, allow auser to drive a car through a drive-thru lane of a restaurant. At step1701, a license plate scanner may be used to scan a license plate of thecar as it enters the drive-thru lane. At step 1702, the system maycommunicate license plate image data to servers/cloud processing of thesystem. At step 1703, servers or cloud based processing devices may beused to process the image data of the license plate to determine if thelicense plate data is associated with a user in the system. This may becross-referenced with facial scanning, biometrics, geopositioning,geofencing, and the like to improve user identification effectiveness.At step 1704, the system may allow the user to place an order with amobile device within the car at an outdoor kiosk. In some cases, theuser may have already placed an order or have an automatic “go-to” orderplaced and charged upon scan. The user may confirm or edit the orderupon identification at the kiosk, as well as have order suggestionspresented. In some cases, if the user elects to edit the order, the usermay be charged or credited with a change in price, either through theapplication or through the kiosk's pay functionality. At step 1705, thesystem may communicate order data from the kiosk to servers/cloudprocessing of the system. At Step 1706 a system order may be created andcommunicated. As well, the system may communicate a barcode to themobile device of the user. Variations of this specific example are wellwithin the intent of the present disclosure.

License Plate Scanning and Dispensing Apparatus

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable license plate scanning techniquesin the order dispensing process. Referring to FIG. 18, at step 1800, thesystem may allow a user to place an order via any accepted process to arestaurant that associates the order with the user of the systemapplication. At step 1801, the system may allow a user to drive avehicle through a drive-thru lane to a dispenser. At step 1802, thesystem may use a license plate scanner at the dispenser location to scanthe license plate of the car. At step 1803, the system may send imagedata related to the license plate scan to servers/cloud and determine ifthe user is in the system. This may be cross-referenced with facialscanning, biometrics, geo-positioning, geofencing, and the like toimprove user identification effectiveness. At step 1804, if the user isin the system and an order is ready for pick-up at the dispenser move arelated food product to a pick-up location of the dispenser. At step1805, the system may optionally send a barcode or code to a mobiledevice of the user and request the user enter the code or scan thebarcode to a barcode scanning device associated with the dispenser toauthorize dispensing. In the alternative, the system may authorize thedispensing based solely on recognizing they user based on the licenseplate scan and recognizing an order associated with the user at thelocation of the dispenser. At step 1806, the system may dispense theproduct to the customer of the vehicle at a dispenser. Variations ofthis specific example are well within the intent of the presentdisclosure.

Operational Flows Not Involving Mobile Application Processing

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable ordering and dispensing flowsthat do not involve mobile application processing. Referring to FIG. 19,at step 1900, the system may allow a user to approach a kiosk within arestaurant without a mobile device. At step 1901, the system allows auser to place an order at a kiosk without a mobile device. The user maylog onto the system with a password to provide identification aspects.And, in some examples, the kiosk may use facial or other biometricmeans, which may be supplemented by geofencing and the like, to identifythe user. In some other examples, a user may log on as a guest userwithout identification to the server, so long as a local means ofpayment are enabled. At step 1902, the system may communicate the order,identification and other data to servers/cloud and receive informationback from the system to the kiosk. A receipt may be printed with aunique barcode at the kiosk and distributed to the user. At step 1903,the system may issue an order to the restaurant to create a logisticsorder in kitchen. The communication may include signals to a labelprinter to print a barcode in the kitchen. At step 1904, employees ofthe restaurant may prepare the order and affix the label to a tray, cup,or other packaging. At step 1905, staff of the restaurant may place theorder into a dispenser and optionally scan barcode with a barcodescanner to ensure the integrity of the identification and location ofthe food product. At step 1906, the system may communicate progress ofthe order to the user. At step 1907, the system may initiate acommunication process at the dispenser where the customer may presenttheir receipt with the barcode to a scanner at the dispenser. At step1908, the dispenser may verify the barcode presented to it and find theappropriate bin location of the order. The bin may be moved to aposition where it can be opened to a user, so they may receive theirorder. Sensors within the bin may verify that the bin is empty after theuser receives their order and may automatically close the bin.Variations of this specific example are well within the intent of thepresent disclosure.

Operational Flows with Drive-thru Point of Sale Kiosk Scan

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable ordering and dispensing flowsthat do not involve mobile application processing. Referring to FIG. 20,at step 2000 the system may allow a user to drive a vehicle to arestaurant and engage the system even if they do not have a mobiledevice. At step 2001, the system may allow the user to drive the vehiclethrough a drive-thru lane at the restaurant. At step 2002, the systemmay utilize a license plate scanner to scan an image of the licenseplate. In some examples, the license plate scanner may include systemaspect that convert the image it collects to a textual value for theidentity on the license plate. Either the image or such textual identitymay be passed to the system at step 2003. At step 2004, if the licenseplate scanner does not process the image itself, the system may processthe image data to determine if the license plate data is associated witha user in the system. Additional identification methods, such asgeofencing and the like, may be used to supplement license platescanning. Such a determination may also occur with textual data passedfrom the license plate scanner. At step 2005, the system may allow theuser to place an order without a mobile device at an outdoor kiosk. Insome examples, the user may engage the kiosk with verbal communication.In some other examples, the system may allow the user to engage thekiosk with touch screen interface. At step 2006, the system may print areceipt for the order with a unique barcode and distribute it to theuser. Variations of this specific example are well within the intent ofthe present disclosure.

License Plate Scan for Dispensing Without Mobile Application Processing

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable ordering and dispensing flowsthat do not involve mobile application processing. Referring to FIG. 21,the system may allow the user to drive a vehicle to a restaurant afterplacing an order 2100 by one of the means identified in various sectionsof this specification. At step 2101, the system may allow the user todrive the vehicle to a location that is close to a food dispensingdevice. At step 2102, the system may use a license plate scanner to scanthe license plate of the user at the dispenser location. At step 2103,the system may communicate the license plate image data to servers orcloud processing devices of the system. Alternatively, the license platescanner may interpret the image and provide a textual license plateindicator. At step 2104, if the scanner has not provided the textuallicense plate information, data processing systems may process the imagedata to determine if the license plate data is associated with a user inthe system. Additional identification methods, such as geofencing andthe like, may be used to supplement license plate scanning. At step2105, the system may allow the user to present a receipt with a barcodeto a scanner at the dispenser. At step 2106, the system may provide thefood product to the user with the dispenser after validating the barcodepattern or user upon license plate scan. Variations of this specificexample are well within the intent of the present disclosure.

Generation of One Time Identifiers for Shared Orders

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable ordering and dispensing flows forgroups of users. Referring to FIG. 21A, at step 2110 the system maydisplay menu options for a restaurant with an application on a mobiledevice to a user on the mobile application. At step 2111, the system mayallow a first user to initiate a group ordering process on a mobiledevice. The group ordering process may be found as a touch screenaccessible function on the application or may be invoked in othermanners from the application. Continuing at step 2112, the system maycollect a number of group users and identification of users from thefirst user. The first user may invite members of the group by sending aninvitation from within the application to contact information from themobile application device. In other examples, the first user may searchfor members of the system application and choose these individuals forcommunication by the system to invite them to join a group order. Insome examples, the first user may communicate a group order sessionidentification that interested user may enter into versions of theirmobile application of the system to elect to join a group orderingsession. At step 2113 the system may repeat an ordering process witheach group user that has been joined to the group ordering. The repeatedprocess may comprise the steps of inviting the user to present an order.The system may present menu options, may collect user selections ifmade, and may confirm selections with each user. As the processcontinues, some users may elect to offer to pay for themselves and oneor more other users and for the other users, the system may inform otherusers if others have offered to pay. During the course of the groupordering process, at step 2114 the system may communicate the status ofeach group user's order to the first user. In some examples a screen mayinclude a list of the user names along with a status as a non-limitingexample. Depending on the amount of time the first user may wish thegroup ordering process to complete in, the first user may allow thegroup order process to complete regardless of the amount of time that ittakes, or the first user may elect to impose a completion status on theorder regardless of whether each user has completed an order in thegroup process at step 2115. Continuing at step 2116, the system mayprocess the group order details, the payment information of each of thegroup users, the customer information for each user including whetherthey are a registered user of the system, merchant information relatedto the restaurant where the purchase will occur, and menu identificationinformation for what has been ordered. The result of the systemprocessing the information may be the generation of an order and aunique barcode identifier for the first user to use for operationpurposes of the system. At step 2117, the system may communicate theunique barcode information to a mobile device of the first user. Theuser may elect to send the group order to a designated pick-up location,which may be selected before the user sends an order invite, or mayelect to arrive at any location to scan the unique barcode, which willprocess the order onsite. Variations of this specific example are wellwithin the intent of the present disclosure.

Example of Layout of Physical Elements

Referring to FIG. 22, an example map-view illustration of the order maybe found. A fast food restaurant 2200 may be located on a drive infacilitated lot 2210. The lot may have an entrance for cars 2201 and anexit 2202. Therefore, flow of the cars may generally be from right toleft on the top and from left to right on the bottom of theillustration. There may be numerous parking spots along the perimeter ofthe lot including handicap parking 2230. The lot may have a drive-thrulane 2220. In some examples, the drive-thru lane may have a licenseplate scanner 2240 at the entrance of the drive-thru lane and anotherlicense plate scanner 2241 proximate to the end of the drive-thru andwhere food may be picked up. The restaurant may have various kiosksincluding some kiosks 2270 along the drive-thru lane, some within thelobby of the restaurant such as kiosks 2271 and others at externalremote locations 2272. Delivery window 2280 may deliver food or helpusers in typical fashion, outside of dispenser flow. There may be fooddispensing apparatus including a food dispenser within the restaurant2261 which abuts the lobby and the kitchen area 2250. Another fooddispenser 2260 may provide access to cars in the drive-thru lane andabut the kitchen area 2250. An external dispenser 2262 may provideaccess remote from the restaurant and be filled by staff walking fromthe kitchen, or other delivery methods. There may be numerous layoutsthat are possible with some or all of the physical elements as have beenshown in FIG. 22 and/or describe in this specification. Other technologynot mentioned may be incorporated to fulfill some of the functions asdescribed or additional function. The illustration in FIG. 22 mayillustrate how various elements may be spatially related.

Remote Location Dispensing.

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable ordering and dispensing flows forgroups of users. Referring to FIG. 23, at step 2300 the system mayoptionally commence an ordering process with a facial or license platescan to determine the identity of a user. Combinations of scanningmethods, or the use of geofencing and the like, may supplementidentification from scan. Such a scan may occur at a kiosk, or at acomputer or mobile device comprising a camera. At step 2301, the systemmay allow a user to place an order on a mobile device or other devicecapable of running the operation. The system may also allow the user torequest the order to be delivered to a remote location dispenser.Alternatively, the user may place an order at a kiosk, with barcodereceipt printing capability, adjacent to the dispenser. At step 2302,the system may communicate the order, identification and other data toservers and/or cloud processing. The system may use the information todetermine an appropriate restaurant to notify about the order as well asthe nature of the request for the restaurant to deliver the order to aremote dispenser. Continuing at step 2303, the system may receive anapproval by the restaurant to accept the order and to accept thedelivery to a remote dispensing device. The system may then operate withthe kitchen of the restaurant to initiate processing of the order and tocreate the control signals to create a label with a printer in thekitchen operation. At step 2304, staff of the restaurant may prepare theorder and affix the label to a tray, cup, or other packaging related tothe order. At step 2305, the operations of the system may deliver theorder into the remote dispenser along with an optional scan of theidentification barcode on the food product. At step 2306, the system maycommunicate process status of the order to the customer along with aunique barcode for the user to use for order pick-up. At step 2307, thesystem may initiate a communication process at the remote dispenserwhere the customer presents their receipt or mobile device which isdisplaying the barcode to a scanner at the dispenser. At step 2308, thesystem may validate a presented barcode and move the dispenser positionto open the pod containing the order to the customer for them to pick itup. Variations of this specific example are well within the intent ofthe present disclosure.

Remote Location Dispensing and Drone Replenishment.

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable ordering and dispensing flows forgroups of users. Referring to FIG. 24, at step 2400, the system mayallow a user to place an order on a mobile device or other devicecapable of running the operation. The system may also allow the user torequest the order to be delivered to a remote location dispenser.Alternatively, the user may place an order at a kiosk, with barcodereceipt printing capability, adjacent to the dispenser. At step 2401,the system may communicate the order, identification and other data toservers and/or cloud processing. The system may use the information todetermine an appropriate restaurant to notify about the order as well asthe nature of the request for the restaurant to deliver the order to aremote dispenser. Continuing at step 2402, the system may receive anapproval by the restaurant to accept the order and to accept thedelivery to a remote dispensing device. The system may then operate withthe kitchen of the restaurant to initiate processing of the order and tocreate the control signals to create a label with a printer in thekitchen operation. At step 2403, staff of the restaurant may prepare theorder and affix the label to a tray, cup, or other packaging related tothe order. At step 2404, the system may dispatch a drone to therestaurant. In some example, the dispatch may occur well before thepreparation of the food is completed. The drone may carry atransportable pod that may contain the order and keep it at a regulatedtemperature or temperatures. The restaurant staff may affix a portablepod containing the order to the drone. At step 2405, restaurant staffmay dispatch the drone from the restaurant. The system may coordinatethe flight of the drone to go to the remote dispenser. At step 2406, thesystem may engage a transfer process to load the transportable pod intothe remote dispenser. In some examples, the drone will pick-up an emptytransportable pod from the dispenser and travel back to a base locationwith it. At step 2407, the system may communicate process status of theorder to the customer along with a unique barcode for the user to usefor order pick-up. At step 2408, the system may initiate a communicationprocess at the remote dispenser where the customer presents theirreceipt or mobile device which is displaying the barcode to a scanner atthe dispenser. At step 2409, the system may validate a presented barcodeand move the dispenser position to open the pod containing the order tothe customer for them to pick it up. Variations of this specific exampleare well within the intent of the present disclosure.

Ordering with the Application

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable ordering and dispensing flows forgroups of users. Referring to FIG. 25A, at step 2500, the system mayfacilitate user selection of a store or a dispenser to receive an orderin the application. There may be various methods to communication suchas through scans, on voice command, through app, and the like. At step2501, the system may optionally facilitate the user to send an orderrequest to other users and combine request. At step 2502, the system mayfacilitate the user to select their order and to configure or confirmpayment options. At step 2503, the system may ready a queue for theorder. At step 2504, the various processes may be coordinated by thesystem. At step 2505, the system may generate a unique barcode. At 2506,the system may await the arrival of the user to the store or to thedispenser. At step 2507, the system may utilize a license plate scanneror a facial scanner to recognize the user. In some examples, at step2508 the user may be facilitated to place an order through a scan at akiosk. In some examples, at step 2509 a process such as a signing keyprocess may be used to delete the barcode or render the barcode useless.At step 2510, the system may offer means to pay contingent on whetherpayment has already been made with the application. At step 2511, thesystem may coordinate processes of the kitchen to realize the order.Referring now to FIG. 25B, at step 2512, the system may optionally sendan order identifier to the user which may in some examples, involve aunique barcode. At step 2513, the order may be processed in the kitchen.At step 2514, the system may optionally coordinate deliver of the orderto a dispenser by kitchen staff. At step 2515, the system may notify theuser that their order is ready for pick-up. At step 2516, the system mayoptionally scan a barcode or other identifier to move a dispenserlocation for pick-up. At step 2517, the system may optionally delete theactivity of the barcode or render it useless. At step 2518, the systemmay support the user to pick-up their order either at a dispenser or apick-up location. At step 2519, in examples where a dispenser has beenused the system may clean a used dispenser and return it into operation.Variations of this specific example are well within the intent of thepresent disclosure.

Ordering without the Application

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable ordering and dispensing flows.Referring to FIG. 26A, at step 2600, the system may facilitate a user toarrive at a store or a dispenser location where they may place an orderto the system without the use of a mobile device and its application. Atstep 2601, the system may perform a license plate or facial scan torecognize the user. At step 2602, on recognition of the user, varioussystem functions may optionally be used such as automatic ordering,favorite suggestions, order suggestion, order history and the like. Atstep 2603, the system may take an order at a kiosk or cash register. Atstep 2604, the system may optionally ask the user whether they want toinvoke a group process as has been defined. At step 2605, the system mayconfirm the details of the order and payment options. At 2606, thesystem may be used to process payment. At step 2607, the system mayfinalize a fully paid order. In some examples, at step 2608 the systemmay coordinate the user details, the order and the payment details. Atstep 2609, the system may generate a unique barcode and provide a copyof it to the user in the form of a receipt. At step 2610, the system maycoordinate the details of the order with the kitchen. At step 2611,order may be fulfilled in the kitchen. At step 2612, the system mayoptionally deliver the order via a third party vendor or deliverer. Ashas been discussed there may be various means to deliver to a dispenserincluding by staff of the kitchen, through a drone, or through a vendoran order identifier to the user which may in some examples, involve aunique barcode. Referring now to FIG. 26B,at step 2613, the system maybe used to notify the user that an order is ready at a pick-up location.At step 2614, the system may optionally scan a barcode or otheridentifier to move a dispenser location for pick-up. At step 2615, thesystem may optionally delete the activity of the barcode. At step 2616,the system may support the user to pick-up their order either at adispenser or a pick-up location. At step 2617, in examples where adispenser has been used the system may clean a used dispenser and returnit into operation. Variations of this specific example are well withinthe intent of the present disclosure.

Frequency of facial, license plate, or barcode scan at a kiosk ordispenser may be analyzed and provide restaurant activity statistics,order statistics, wait status, or a plurality of other pertinent user ororder statistics valuable to a restaurant or user, which may becommunicated via the application.

Remote Ordering

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable remote ordering and dispensingflows. Referring to FIG. 27A, at step 2700, the system may receive arequest from a user to select a store or a dispenser location to receivean order in the application. There may be various methods tocommunication such as through scans, on voice command, through app, andthe like. At step 2701, the system may optionally facilitate the user tosend an order request to other users and combine request. At step 2702,the system may facilitate the user to select their order and toconfigure or confirm payment options. At step 2703, the system may readya queue for the order. At step 2704, the various processes may becoordinated by the system. At step 2705, the system may receive an orderand subsequently process payment. At step 2706, the system may generatea unique barcode. At 2707, the system may coordinate with the kitchenfor the order and dispensing selections. At step 2708 the order may befulfilled in the kitchen. At step 2709, the system may optionallydeliver the order to a dispenser by the various means as have beendiscussed. At step 2710, the system may notify the user that the orderis ready for pick-up at the designated location. At step 2711, thesystem may facilitate the user's arrival at the store or dispenserlocation as selected and coordinate the pick-up of the order. Referringnow to FIG. 27B, at step 2712, the system may optionally recognize theuser who placed the remote order. In some examples, the recognition mayoccur with scanning of the user's license plate or with a facial scan ofthe user. The resulting recognition may cause a dispenser to move a foodorder into location for pick-up. At step 2713, there may be an optionalscan made of a barcode on a receipt or a mobile device of the user inorder to cause the dispenser to move to a location for pick-up. At step2714, the system may optionally delete the barcode. At step 2715, thesystem may support user pick-up of the order at the dispenser or asappropriate at a conventional pick-up location. And, at step 2716, thesystem may clean the dispenser and return it to use. In some examples,the cleaning may be performed in a dispenser itself. Variations of thisspecific example are well within the intent of the present disclosure.

Automatic Ordering

The methods, apparatus, and application software as have been describedmay be used in some examples to enable automatic ordering and dispensingflows. Referring to FIG. 28A, at step 2801, the system may enable a userto set up various profiles associated with the identification such as“go-to” orders, license plate identification, biometric data, paymentoptions and the like. At step 2802, the system may await arrival at anydrive-thru kiosk or dispenser. At step 2803, the system may recognizethe user with a facial scan, license plate scan, or combination of both,to ready a queue for the order. At step 2804, the system may optionallycross-reference the user by geofencing and the like. At step 2805, thesystem may optionally suggest orders to the user such as favorites,prior orders and the like. At step 2806, the system may receiveconfirmation of an existing order or accept edits to the order at adrive-thru kiosk or at a dispenser. At step 2807, the system controlcoordination of the various elements related to ordering so that at step2808 payment may be realized. At step 2809 the system may coordinate theorder details with the kitchen. At step 2810, the system may optionallysend an order identifier to the user, such as a dispenser code. In someexamples, the order identifier may include a barcode image to a mobiledevice. Referring now to FIG. 28B, at step 2811, the system maycoordinate processes of the kitchen to realize the order. At step 2812,the system may optionally coordinate deliver of the order to a dispenserby kitchen staff. At step 2813, the system may notify the user thattheir order is ready for pick-up. At step 2814, the system may perform alicense plate scan or a facial scan at a pick-up location and coordinatethe status for pick-up. At step 2815, the system may optionally crossreference the identity of the user using geofencing and the like. Atstep 2816, the system may support a user to pick-up an order at adispenser or a pick-up location. In some examples, the support mayinclude scanning a barcode or other identifier of a completed order tomove a dispenser location for pick-up. At step 2817, in examples where adispenser has been used the system may clean a used dispenser and returnit into operation. Variations of this specific example are well withinthe intent of the present disclosure.

Conclusion

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described.While this specification contains many specific implementation details,there should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anydisclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in asingle embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described inthe context of a single embodiment may also be implemented incombination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodimentsdescribed above should not be understood as requiring such separation inall embodiments, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems may generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described.Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In somecases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a differentorder and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processesdepicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require theparticular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the claimed disclosure.

What is claimed is: 1.-16. (canceled)
 17. A method for delivery of afood product, the method comprising: receiving from a scanner located onsite of a food preparation facility an encoded unique transaction codecomprising encoded information including a user identification, an orderdescription, and a payment status; and based upon receipt of the encodedunique transaction code, remotely operate a dispenser comprising aplurality of bins configured for storage of food items to dispense oneor more stored food items; configuring executable code to comprise afirst activated function, wherein the first activated function activatesa group order protocol; receiving an activation function response from afirst user; receiving a list of a plurality of users which mayparticipate in forming a food product order; communicating with theplurality of users, wherein the communication offers an ordering sessionto two or more of the plurality of users; receiving orders from two ormore of the plurality of users; communicating an order status to thefirst user; placing food products in a first bin of the dispenser,wherein the food products comprise portions of the food order from thetwo or more of the plurality of users; communicating a barcode image tothe first user, wherein the barcode provides the necessary informationfor the user to interact with the dispenser and receive the foodproducts of the group order; and dispensing the food products to thefirst user conditioned upon the first user providing the barcode imageto a scanner associated with a dispenser.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the first user utilizes the executable code to provide paymentfor the plurality of users.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein one ofthe plurality of users utilizes the executable code for payment ofanother user.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein a license plate of anautomobile of the first user is scanned while the first user drives intoproximity to the dispenser, and wherein the scan of the license plate isused to identify an order and customer and activate a function of thedispenser.